Biotechnology and Polymers

C. G. Gebelein

ISBN 10: 0306440490 / ISBN 13: 9780306440496

Published by Springer US, Springer US Jan 1992, 1992

About this Item

Neuware -The term biotechnology has emerged on the contemporary scene fairly recently, but the basic concept of utilizing natural materials, either directly or in modified versions, dates back to antiquity. If we search the ancient literature, such as the Bible, we find hundreds of examples wherein people employed, or modified, natural materials for a variety of important uses. As far back as the days of Noah we find pitch, a natural material, being used as a caulk. Clothing was made from animal skins and the products of several plants. Today, we would consider these things as important biotechnological developments. Likewise, the human use of polymeric materials also has a long his tory. In fact, many of the original materials used by mankind were poly mers derived from nature, such as wood, flax, cotton, wool and animal skins, which were used for shelter and clothing. In recent years, however, the concept of biotechnology has taken on a new and renewed role in our society. This is due to a combination of factors, including an increased interest in environmental concerns and the desire to break free from the stranglehold that petrochemicals have placed on our society. If we can manufacture some of our polymers from renewable resources, then we can expect to prepare them for many more years into the future than we might if we could only depend on the petro chemical resources. 364 pp. Englisch.

Seller Inventory # 9780306440496

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Biotechnology and Polymers
• Publisher: Springer US, Springer US Jan 1992
• Publication Date: 1992
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0306440490
• ISBN 13: 9780306440496
• Binding: Buch
• Condition: Neu

About this title

Synopsis

The term biotechnology has emerged on the contemporary scene fairly recently, but the basic concept of utilizing natural materials, either directly or in modified versions, dates back to antiquity. If we search the ancient literature, such as the Bible, we find hundreds of examples wherein people employed, or modified, natural materials for a variety of important uses. As far back as the days of Noah we find pitch, a natural material, being used as a caulk. Clothing was made from animal skins and the products of several plants. Today, we would consider these things as important biotechnological developments. Likewise, the human use of polymeric materials also has a long his­ tory. In fact, many of the original materials used by mankind were poly­ mers derived from nature, such as wood, flax, cotton, wool and animal skins, which were used for shelter and clothing. In recent years, however, the concept of biotechnology has taken on a new and renewed role in our society. This is due to a combination of factors, including an increased interest in environmental concerns and the desire to break free from the stranglehold that petrochemicals have placed on our society. If we can manufacture some of our polymers from renewable resources, then we can expect to prepare them for many more years into the future than we might if we could only depend on the petro­ chemical resources.

Synopsis

Considers several applications of biotechnology in the field of polymers. The 27 papers are presented in sections covering biotechnology-derived polymers, and systems based on polysaccharides and on proteins and enzymes. A sampling of titles turns up vernonia oil as a new reactive monomer, bacterial polysaccharides for use in food and agriculture,